Chapter 29

Second Meeting with King Sejong at Cheonchujeon (2)

"Prince Imyeong is a case in point."

At Yunseo's words, Princess Jeongui let out a soft "Ah!" in realization, while King Sejong's expression hardened.

From the way their faces changed in an instant, Yunseo immediately sensed that this was something of a taboo within the royal family.

But as a counselor, Yunseo had built a professional principle: even if recalling something caused the client immense pain, one must not leave the root of the problem buried and hidden.

Because burying it did not make the problem disappear.

The issue, shoved deep into the abyss of memory because it was too painful, would resurface at the slightest trigger—a similar situation, a smell, a sound—asserting its presence with force. Yet the person, having buried the root in their consciousness, would not understand why they felt fear, anger, or overwhelming depression, and would be swept up in destructive emotions without knowing the cause.

Yunseo recalled herself running past Jonggak, beyond Dongdaemun, toward Gunja Station.

As long as she held onto the possibility of escape, she could face the present more boldly and faithfully.

When Yunseo calmly met the King's gaze, Sejong slowly opened his mouth, as if reluctant.

"So what you are saying is… that unlike the other princes, Imyeong's depraved behavior is due to that unspeakable tragedy the Queen experienced while she was pregnant with him?"

"…That alone may not be the entirety of it, but among all the princes, only he shows such unusually rough conduct. This is merely a humble inference of mine. If I have spoken out of turn, I beg your pardon."

"..."

"..."

At the time Queen Soheon was pregnant with Prince Imyeong, her father, Sim On, who was returning from a diplomatic mission to Ming, was accused of treason. He was dragged to the Uigeumbu, subjected to brutal torture—including the ankle-crushing punishment—and ultimately executed. Her entire family, including her mother, was reduced to slavery.

Perhaps because of that, unlike the Crown Prince, Prince Suyang, or Prince Anpyeong, Prince Imyeong caused scandals—violating court ladies and gisaeng without discrimination—and was stripped of his princely title twice.

And just how much that must have tormented Queen Soheon—Yunseo could tell from the way Lee Hyang would choke up with pain whenever he spoke of his mother.

If given the chance, Yunseo wanted to conduct a counseling session with Queen Soheon.

Behind the mask of a benevolent queen remembered in history, there must be an immense traumatic wound she stubbornly hid. Yunseo wanted to embrace that wound—and, in doing so, also heal Lee Hyang, who suffered watching her.

Before Queen Soheon learned to conceal her pain, the ones who must have witnessed her raw suffering firsthand were Lee Hyang and Prince Suyang. Coincidentally, the two of them, unlike their grandfather and father—both known for their indulgence in women—and unlike their younger full siblings, neither despised nor particularly indulged in women.

Yunseo analyzed this as an unconscious resentment and rebellion toward their father, King Sejong—the man who had continued to indulge in women despite causing such pain to their mother.

Since she had already begun speaking, Yunseo decided to bring up one more matter she had intended to address today.

"Your Majesty, not only prenatal education but also the environment after birth is important. Unless unavoidable, a child must live with their parents. From what I observed in my youth, even in poor and harsh conditions, children who lived with at least one parent were far brighter and emotionally healthier. Those separated from both parents, even if raised in comfort, tended to grow up withdrawn and emotionally unstable."

"Is that so?"

Yunseo keenly sensed the doubt creeping into Sejong's tone.

But as someone who had witnessed countless real cases in clinical practice—and who knew from related literature just how profoundly early attachment to parents or primary caregivers shaped a person's entire life—Yunseo's professional conviction was not so weak that she would retract her words just because the King seemed displeased.

[The degree to which a human being acquires self-regulation skills is greatly influenced by how harmoniously they interacted with their caregivers in early life. Children who receive sufficient comfort and strength from their parents carry that benefit throughout their lives. In other words, they gain a buffer that allows them to endure even the worst moments fate may bring.]

Reciting inwardly a passage from The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk—a book she had read and reread like a bible—Yunseo continued firmly.

"Does not Your Majesty yourself stand as an example of how important a close relationship with one's parents is for growth? When Your Majesty was growing up in your princely residence, I have heard that King Taejong, being in a period of hardship, would seat you on his lap, read you books, and cherish you dearly. In contrast, Grand Prince Yangnyeong was sent away to his maternal relatives to be raised."

"!"

"!"

"Therefore, Your Majesty, I humbly submit this: it would be proper to bring our young Lady Pyeongchang—who currently resides outside the palace—back into the palace, to stay by the side of the Crown Prince."

"!"

"!"

Princess Jeongui glanced nervously at the King with an expression that plainly read, This girl has gone way too far.

King Sejong, meanwhile, looked down at Yunseo with an unreadable gaze.

Yunseo held his gaze without wavering.

Even if Sejong judged her to be an insolent court lady unfit to be paired with Lee Hyang, he would not strip her of her position as Hongwi's nursemaid over this.

Even if she were unsuitable as a match for the Crown Prince, she was beyond reproach as the royal grandson's caretaker.

And in any case, he would bring Lady Pyeongchang—who would later become Princess Gyeonghye—back into the palace.

That would restore her to her rightful place, after she had been sent out under the pretext of warding off misfortune following the death of her mother, Crown Princess Kwon—an act that must have made her feel distant from Lee Hyang and Hongwi.

It would also benefit Hongwi, who would grow up much brighter and more stable with his older sister by his side.

At last, King Sejong called her.

"Kwon, come here—before the desk."

"…Yes, Your Majesty."

For a moment, she feared he might strike her across the cheek. But once again, she imagined herself swimming slowly across the Han River… thought of Maegeum waiting outside to help her escape if needed… and recalled Lee Hyang's promise that he would protect her no matter what.

With her hands folded neatly above her navel, Yunseo approached the desk with respectful steps.

Princess Jeongui, unable to intervene, watched with anxious eyes.

Sejong pointed to the inkstone on the desk.

"Take up the brush and write, in that script, exactly what I dictate."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Write this: 'Along with prenatal education, the environment of upbringing is important. A child must grow up with their parents.'"

"…I have not had many chances to hold a brush, so my handwriting is poor."

"That does not matter."

With hands trembling in relief, Yunseo picked up the brush and wrote as instructed.

[Prenatal education and the upbringing environment are important. A child must be with their parents.]

"Oh ho, Father!"

Princess Jeongui, who had been watching with keen interest, exclaimed.

She and King Sejong leaned in together to examine the paper Yunseo had written.

"She wrote it horizontally instead of vertically. And by spacing the characters according to meaning and adding dots, it becomes much easier to understand, Father."

"Hmm, Princess Jeongui. For the time being, come to the palace every day."

"…Pardon? For what reason…?"

"We should compile what Kwon has been saying into a book. We will call it A Compendium of Child-Rearing and write it in this script so it may be widely spread."

"!"

The sudden turn of events left Yunseo dazed, and she found herself staring blankly at Sejong's face again.

But Sejong paid no mind to her irreverent gaze and spoke to her directly this time.

"Kwon, from now on, you will also participate with the Crown Prince, the grand princes, and Princess Jeongui in gathering with me to create these letters and establish their principles. I will set a schedule within three days—be sure to attend."

"…Yes, Your Majesty."

So I'll finally meet Prince Suyang… If I see him, I might glare at him with murderous intent. How am I supposed to hide that hatred and disgust?

As that thought crossed her mind, the King spoke again.

"And Princess Jeongui, you may now go to the Queen's palace and pay your respects."

"Father!"

At the sudden dismissal, Princess Jeongui widened her eyes in protest.

At that instant,

Yunseo's whole body tensed automatically.

In her mind, the words of Consort Yang—"His Majesty is very fond of women!"—and Court Lady Park's firm statement—"His Majesty is a man of strict principles and discipline"—rang loudly at the same time.

Though she trusted Court Lady Park completely, she had deliberately worn the plainest, loosest maid's attire she owned. Even the ribbon in her hair was faded and frayed as she came to Cheonchujeon.

Though she knew better than anyone that someone intent on wrongdoing would use clothing as nothing more than a flimsy excuse, her hands had moved on their own.

In an instant, Yunseo stepped backward and dropped to the floor near the door—a position from which she could kick it open and run if necessary.

"Father, why…?"

"Did you think I would not know that Hyang sent you in? I have something to discuss with Kwon alone. Do not worry and go to the Queen's palace."

Though his tone was gentle, it was an order that could not be defied.

"Then, Father, I take my leave. Kwon-gaya, I shall see you tomorrow. I will contact you separately."

With the soft rustle of silk, she departed the royal study without hesitation.

"..."

"..."

In the heavy silence of the King, Yunseo inwardly lamented, Ah, life in the royal palace is unbearably complicated.

Even Queen Myeongseong, who had wielded immense power beside King Gojong, had once ground her teeth and said, "If I am born again, I will not set foot within the Four Great Gates."

Yunseo too renewed her resolve: If I ever escape or return to the modern world, I will never set foot near Gyeongbokgung again!

"Teach this new script to the Queen."

"…Pardon?"

Caught completely off guard, Yunseo straightened up and looked at Sejong.

"At times, the Queen becomes cold as if she were another person—she does not speak, nor does she listen. It is understandable. Even if she were to confide in someone, who could possibly comprehend such anguish? So I told her to at least write it down to relieve herself, but she grew angry, saying her head already hurt enough and asking why she should struggle further with difficult Chinese characters."

So even King Sejong has tried, in his own way, to ease Queen Soheon's pain…

"Go to her, teach her the script, and listen to her thoughts. You seem to understand the human mind and heart well. However, do not let others know. It could harm Her Majesty's dignity."

"Yes, Your Majesty. I will do so."

This was something Yunseo had hoped for as well, so she answered with genuine willingness.

At this point, he must be finished speaking.
I can finally return to the Eastern Palace, where Hongwi must be waiting for me…

Just as she shifted slightly, ready to rise—

"And, Kwon."

Sejong called her again.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Why do you think Jeon Gyun was punished?"

"!"

A name she had tried so hard to forget came from the King's lips.

A surge of warning shot through her body, and her mind snapped sharply into focus.

Yunseo lowered her head deeply once more.